2008 Kia Sportage Reviews

2008 Kia Sportage LX from North America

Summary:

Faults:

Gets wet under the driver's seat. Many times it gets wet under my seat. Dealer says it's a windshield problem, but they have repaired it two times, and I still have the problem.

Noisy engine. When I bought the car, they told me it was in very good condition. When I step on the gas, it makes a very loud noise like a very old car. Not even my Toyota Corolla with 255000 km makes such a noise.

29th Oct 2012, 09:43

Sounds like you have an exhaust manifold crack or other exhaust problems.

Also, in the future, take any car/truck/SUV to an independent mechanic for an inspection. Have them put it on a lift to check for any body damage from underneath.

The days of trusting a dealership are over... individuals are trading in lemons, problem and abused cars... and they are stuck with them... until they can sell them off to an unsuspecting buyer who trusts what they say.

Faults:

General Comments:

Overall, very pleased with the car as it's excellent value for the money. A lot of mini SUV for the $15,999 I paid for it, plus an excellent industry leading warranty. I now have 25,000 miles on it, and not one mechanical defect. The car is very reliable and reasonably comfortable.

This is a good cheap car that I think is on par with Toyotas and Hondas of the 1970s - excellent value for the money. A good basic vehicle, but not much more. I got it during maximum rebates/incentive season and haggled a bit. The list price was about $22,000 (US), and I got it for $15,999 with a $4,000 rebate and a good deal off the dealer's mark-up. I used Consumer Reports to get the actual dealer cost, and I think that helped me a lot in getting a low price.

Interior quality and features are good. Handling is good. Interior space is good. Performance is fair - OK for an unsophisticated V6. The transmission is also fine, but clearly as unsophisticated as the engine, but not bad for under $16,000 new.

Stock tires are, in my view poor and will only last 25 - 30,000 miles with good care and routine rotations. I think they perform "fair", and my stopping distances are a bit long, but nothing to rise to a safety concern. Again, about what I expected for the money - I will replace them with much better tires.

The center arm rest is annoying - it is much too low for even a short person like myself. A very nice feature is the rear hatch window lifts up while the "hatch" stays closed, so you can reach through it fairly easily.

2008 Kia Sportage LX from North America

Summary:

Great commuter vehicle!!!

Faults:

WOW... Nothing so far has gone wrong with the car!!

General Comments:

This cars performance is very quick. I was very impressed by the way the car handled on the streets and main highways. However, when you get it up to high speeds, the motor noise is a little distracting.